Issued at: 12:52 PM EDT 9/18/03 (gateway).
Large eye of isabel coming ashore just south of ocracoke island,
A hurricane warning remains in effect from cape fear north carolina to chincoteague virginia, including pamlico and albemarle sounds, and the chesapeake bay south of smith point.
A tropical storm warning remains in effect north of chincoteague to moriches inlet new york, including delaware bay. A tropical storm warning remains in effect south of cape fear to south santee river south carolina, for the chesapeake bay from smith point northward, and for the tidal potomac.
At 1 pm edt, 1700z, the center of hurricane isabel was located near latitude 34.9 north, longitude 76.1 west or about 40 miles southwest of cape hatteras north carolina. This position is also about 30 miles northeast of cape lookout north carolina, and very near ocracoke island on the north carolina outer banks.
Isabel has a very large eye, and winds within the eye will diminish, before increasing rapidly as the back edge of the eye passes by. People are strongly cautioned not to venture out during the eye passage unless absolutely necessary.
Isabel is moving toward the northwest near 18 mph and this motion is expected to continue today with a turn to the north-northwest overnight. On the forecast track, the center of isabel is expected to continue moving inland over eastern north carolina and southeastern virginia over the next 24 hours.
Maximum sustained winds are near 100 mph with higher gusts. Although isabel will weaken as it moves inland, unusually strong winds, with gusts to hurricane force, may be experienced far inland over the elevated terrain of northern virginia and maryland, as well as on high-rise buildings and other structures.
Hurricane force winds extend outward up to 115 miles from the center, and tropical storm force winds extend outward up to 345 miles.
A wind gust to 105 mph was recently reported at ocracoke island on the outer banks. Sustained winds to 80 mph have also been reported at ocracoke. Cape hatteras is reporting sustained winds of 79 mph and gusts to 98 mph.
The most recent minimum central pressure reported by a hurricane hunter aircraft was 957 mb, 28.26 inches.
Storm surge flooding of 5 to 8 feet above normal tide levels, along with extremely large and dangerous battering waves, is expected near and to the north of where the center crosses the coast. Storm surge flooding of 4 to 8 ft above normal tide levels is expected in chesapeake bay and the tidal portions of adjacent rivers. A storm surge of 5 to 6 feet was reported at cape hatteras, and ham radio operators report a surge of 5 to 6 feet at new bern north carolina on the neuse river.
Storm total rainfalls of 6 to 10 inches, with locally higher amounts, are likely in association with isabel.
There is a threat of isolated tornadoes over eastern north carolina, eastern virginia, and southeastern maryland today.
Repeating the 1 pm edt position,, 34.9 n, 76.1 w. Movement toward, northwest near 18 mph. Maximum sustained winds, 100 mph. Minimum central pressure, 957 mb.
For storm information specific to your area, please monitor products issued by your local weather office, and statements from local emergency management officials.
An intermediate advisory will be issued by the national hurricane center at 3 pm edt followed by the next complete advisory at 5 pm edt.